A political and literary salon for the 21st century

The third edition of Cliveden Literary Festival will take place from 28 – 29 September and we have been working closely with the team and the stellar line-up of political and literary speakers to build anticipation for what’s set to be the festival’s strongest year yet.

On the politics front, Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis will be sharing stories from the vanguard of political broadcasting; former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency General David Petraeus, chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter and former chief of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove will talk war and peace, while conspiracy theories and Putin’s Russia will come under the spotlight in panels featuring David Aaronovitch, Nick Cohen, Hallie Rubenhold, Gordon Corera, Dr Elisabeth Schimfossl and Robert Service.

Literature highlights include sessions with Howard Jacobson, Leila Slimani, Ian McEwan, Kate Mosse, Bret Easton Ellis and Candice Carty-Williams. History, science and philosophy will be represented by a panel fighting for the legacy of Queen Victoria 200 years on from her birth, Professor Brian Cox delving into the secrets of the universe and Alain de Botton speaking on empathy and resilience.

All this and more will be taking place at the stunning Grade I-listed Cliveden House, which sits above the Thames in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by 376 acres of National Trust grounds, continuing the house’s long tradition as a political and literary salon. Saturday, Sunday and Weekend tickets are available here.